The flu, more formally known as influenza, is a common viral respiratory infection of the nose, throat and lungs. Fortunately, most cases of the flu are mild. But for people with certain risk factors, like those who are 65 or older or have chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, some cases may be life-threatening.
Most flu cases will naturally make anyone feel lousy for a few days, but how can you tell the difference between a mild and severe case of the flu? It typically comes down to the symptoms.
Mild symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, fatigue, body aches, vomiting or diarrhea. Most people will experience at least one of these symptoms.
More serious symptoms could include difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, dizziness or confusion, seizures or worsening of chronic medical conditions.
If you experience serious symptoms, you should seek care at the emergency department immediately or call 911. Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare’s (TMH) two emergency centers – Bixler Trauma and Emergency Center and Emergency Center - Northeast – are both suited to treat emergency flu symptoms and other emergencies that stem from illness, injury or trauma. Children younger than 3 months who have a fever or flu-like symptoms should also see a provider as soon as possible.
However, if you’re suffering more common flu symptoms such as a fever, congestions or cough, there are steps you can take to treat yourself at home while you recover.
Get Some Rest
Getting plenty of rest is an extremely simple, yet important and effective step you can take at home to recover from the flu. Try to limit physical exertion and strenuous activity. Throw on your favorite hoodie or cuddle up with a pillow and blanket, and start streaming your favorite show, read a good book or take a nap. Consider this your permission to take it easy for a few days.
If you have young children, try to coordinate with your partner (if they’re well), a family member or babysitter to help care for them while you’re sick.
Hydrate with Clear Liquids
When your body is fighting off a virus, it’s easy to become dehydrated – especially if you’re experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. Drink plenty of water. You can supplement your hydration with an electrolyte drink such as Gatorade, Powerade or Liquid IV if needed. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages such as coffee, soda or energy drinks. If you’re struggling to keep liquid down without vomiting, try hydrating with ice chips or popsicles.
Take Over-the-Counter Medication
There are multiple over-the-counter medications you can use to treat your flu symptoms, including flu-specific medication that may help treat multiple symptoms at once. Depending on your symptoms, consider taking any of the medications below, found at your local pharmacy, grocery or convenience store. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, check with your pharmacist prior to purchasing any medications.
- For Pain and Fever: If you’re running a fever, you can use over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce your fever. These medications can also help reduce more painful symptoms such as headache, body aches and a sore throat.
- For a Productive or Wet Cough: For a persistent cough that produces mucus, an over-the-counter expectorant that contains guaifenesin, such as Mucinex, should help with your symptoms. Guaifenesin helps thin mucus or phlegm from your lungs, allowing you to clear chest congestion.
- For Dry Cough: For a dry cough, a cough suppressant such as dextromethorphan should help ease your symptoms. Dextromethorphan is the active ingredient found in medicines such as Robitussin, Delsym, Mucinex DM or NyQuil Severe Cough, Cold and Flu. Throat lozenges are also helpful for those experiencing a dry cough.
- For Stuffy/Runny Nose: If you have a stuffy nose from congestion, over-the-counter decongestants or nasal sprays such as Afrin (oxymetazoline) and Sudafed PE (phenylephrine) and Mucinex D with pseudoephedrine can help shrink inflamed and swollen tissue within your nasal passages that cause congestion. Saline nasal spray can thin secretions and moisten inflamed nasal tissues. You can treat a runny nose with an antihistamine such as Benadryl or NyQuil. Antihistamines bind to certain cell receptors in your body to help decrease effects of symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing and itching. However, these medications will likely make you drowsy, so don’t take them if you need to drive or remain active.
- For Upset Stomach / Diarrhea: For an upset stomach, there are several over-the-counter remedies available. Pepto-Bismol, Mylanta, Tums and Rolaids are among the most popular choices. For diarrhea, Pepto-Bismol or Imodium can help ease your symptoms.
Before mixing medications, please follow the instructions on the packaging and speak with your primary care provider or pharmacist about which medicines are safe to use together.
Get Relief with a Humidifier
If you’re suffering from a cough or congestion, a humidifier could help relieve your symptoms. Humid air throughout your airways will help break up mucus in your chest and nasal passages and assist in relieving a dry cough, chest congestion and nasal congestion.
If you use a humidifier, ensure that you’re using it on the proper settings. Also be sure that it’s properly cleaned and maintained to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria. Failure to use a humidifier properly could lead to further complications.
Consume Foods and Beverages that are Easy on the Stomach
If you’re suffering from the flu and have symptoms such as a sore throat, nausea and fatigue, eating is probably hard enough as it is. It’s important to nourish yourself without overdoing it. This means you should consider light/soft foods, such as chicken noodle soup or broth, leafy greens, fruits and vegetables, yogurt, oatmeal and toast or crackers.
As for the best beverages when you have the flu, consider drinking herbal teas, natural juices and of course, plenty of water or other clear liquids such as low-sugar Gatorade. You should avoid alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, processed foods (especially those high in sodium) and sweets.
Isolate From Others
Isolate from family, friends or roommates as much you can. If you have the flu, take steps to stay in one room while you’re exhibiting symptoms, and use a separate restroom if possible. Stay home, except to seek medical care or pick up necessities, such as medication. If you do need to go in public or to a healthcare provider, consider wearing a mask to help decrease the spread of germs.
When to See Your Doctor
Rest, hydration and over-the-counter medication are your best bets to help recover from mild flu symptoms and other upper respiratory illnesses. If you do experience ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or other symptoms that don’t resolve after several days or go away and return, reach out to your primary care provider or go to your nearest urgent care center. Tallahassee Memorial has two urgent care centers, conveniently located in Tallahassee. You can check in online ahead of time at both.
